the otherside

Archive South America- INTI
shortly after arriving in Los Angeles Intl. Airport, i boarded an airplane with 11 strangers that i had just met. our destination was South America, a continent that had previously only existed in the depths of my brain. i had no idea what to expect and the great unknown was quite overwhelming. as i sat in the concaved seat of that 747 i began to ask myself what i had… Read More

The End was near and it is sadly now here.

Archive South Pacific- HONGI
Sad to say that tomorrow most of us will be going home. This trip has been the journey of a lifetime and I will never forget the experiences I have had and the memories that were made. Am really going to miss all the incredible people I was lucky to spend three unforgettable months with and I learned a lot from each of them and also learned a lot about… Read More

Hasta Luego!

Archive South America- INTI
If you had told me a year ago that on May 6th 2013 I would be sitting at a computer at a hostel in Cusco Peru preparing to return to the US for the first time in three months, I would have undoubtedly told you that you were insane. And yet here I am. In three months I-ve learned more than I ever could have in a second semester at… Read More

Ciaoooo

Archive South America- INTI
Time truly flies. It seems like just yesterday we had all met in LA and embarked on our journey through South America. The last 3 months have been an incredible experience. I was a bit pessimistic at first about leaving my comfortable surroundings and being away from home for 3 months. After all this time though I can say that I am thankful for having participated in this trip. The… Read More

Flight Home!

Archive India- SHIVA
We’ve just received word from the leaders that the celebrated Spring 2013 India group has boarded their return flight from Delhi.  And with this, the trip, like all good things, has come to an end. Here in the Carpe Diem office, we are wishing everyone traveling mercies as they return to their homes or wherever their onward destinations may be.  Our thanks go out to all those who directly or… Read More

Que les vaya bien

Archive South America- INTI
The climactic Machu Picchu has been hike, Spanish has been improved, friendships have been made and now it is time to go home. Today has been a mad dash for the few of us who are headind north to buy gifts, where as the others have been running around making plans for their travels after. Everyone is excited to go home and retell stories and show pictures, but I think… Read More

East Africa Farewell!

Archive East Africa- KIFARU
Hello Parents and followers of Carpe Diem East Africa blog, We just received word from Marisa and Oren that the students have departed Tanzania for their long journey back home. This marks the end of this program, but not the end to the growth, friendships, and knowledge gained during these past 3 months. We (including Oren and Marisa) wish the best for all participants and hope that everyone will continue… Read More
Archive South America- INTI
Where did the time go? It seems like just yesterday it was Febuary 13th and we were all headed to LAX, into the unknown, to embark on a lifechanging experience with 11 other people we have never met before. Now here we are, 84 days later, our lives changed, personalities grown, and millions of new memories with those same 11 other people that we now will never forget. Although one… Read More

Songbirds in Italia

Archive Latitudes Year
  Spring is slowly awakening as well as the song birds early in the morning, with days getting longer, warmer and fresher. Work has even moved outside with the two bicycle mechanics I work with, Merlyn and Dave. Temperatures are finally hitting the twenties (celsius) and that means BICYCLE CLEANING! Messy and fun and even enjoyable, cleaning bicycles is underway as the season itself is approaching. The first our is… Read More

Machu Picchu

Archive South America- INTI
I had the wonderful opportunity to join the group for their trek to Machu Picchu. It was beautiful to spend time with all the students and the leaders, get to know the group, and trek though some amazing places! Just thought I’d share a photo of the group, taken shortly after our arrival to Machu Picchu. We are all now back in Cusco and the group is enjoying their last… Read More
Archive South America- INTI
Dear avid blog followers, We’ve finally made it to our last day in Cuzco! The past few weeks have been incredible. From the jungle, to the Yoga retreat in Sacred Valley, to the Salkantay trek, and finally to Machu Picchu. During the 5 day trek, we hiked over 38 miles from 21,000 ft glaciers to bug ridden jungle and finally to Machu Picchu. Even though Machu Picchu was teeming with… Read More

Return Flight home!

Archive South Pacific- WALKABOUT
Hello Parents and followers of the Walkabout blog, We just received word from Grant and Brooke that the students have departed Australia for their long journey back home. This marks the end of this program, but not the end to the growth, friendships, and knowledge gained during these past 3 months. We (including Grant and Brooke) wish the best for all participants and hope that everyone will continue to “carpe”… Read More

Turtle loves me!!!!

Archive Central America- MAYA
Last week we were at the sea turtle conversation project. Our time at Nuevo Bacuare started with a beautiful boat ride (which looked very much like New Orleans) which would take up to the super small town that awaited us. We realized just how secluded of a town we were to find ourselves in when we loaded our food for the next five days into the boat with out packs. … Read More

Zanzibar

Archive East Africa- KIFARU
Only a few more days left until home time. The trip has been nothing but amazing and we will all be sad to leave but everyone is exited to get back as well. The past week in Zanzibar has been great. Our first day in Zanzibar we dove right in with some cultural activities such as visiting the Anglican church and slave chambers. The next few days were spent exploring… Read More
Archive East Africa- KIFARU
Hello All, So in Zanzibar YAY! But some belated updates are much needed. Apologies for being behind. The group’s last service project was completed April 16-21, Soft Power. Soft power works to improve government schools in the Jinja area. The group spent a week staying at one such school. We lived communally in one of the classrooms. We were blessed to have a lovely cook named Betty and supervisor named… Read More

Thank you Carpe Diem Education!

Archive South Pacific- WALKABOUT
  I would just like to take the time to thank Carpe Diem Education for providing me with an unforgettable semester.  Last semester, while at school, I was craving an adventure and that is exactly what I got this Spring!  I am incredibly happy that I decided to come on the FANZ Carpe Diem semester abroad and I am now excited for all of my upcoming travel excursions.  This program… Read More

Thank you Carpe Diem!!!!

Archive South Pacific- WALKABOUT
I just wanted to give a big shout out to everyone at Carpe who works towards making these trips AMAZING. We just had our last full day in Australia and we travel home tomorrow. I was beyond scared to start this trip but turns out it was the best experience of my life so far. The things we do, the people we meet, it is all unforgettable and i know… Read More

Scott Needles Final Blog

Archive South Pacific- WALKABOUT
Today was our last full day on the semester, and I wouldn’t trade the last three months for anything. I had the time of my life, and will never forget the times I had with the Carpe Walkabout Jaguars.   Grant and Brooke were some awesome leaders, and our group became a family really quick. We met some really special people on this trip, and traveled to some incredible places.… Read More

Wayoutback Adventures!

Archive South Pacific- WALKABOUT
This week we spent our time in Central Australia’s outback!  Traveling with Wayoutback Adventures and our amazing tourguide Annabelle, we were able to explore some breath-taking sites.  Long drives full of good tunes and daydreaming allowed us to gaze out the window at the beautiful red landscape.  Everyone was in hight spirits during out time in the outback, always laughing and willing to learn more about Central Australia’s Aboriginal culture. … Read More

Buddhist Institute

Archive South Pacific- HONGI
A few weeks ago we had the pleasure of spending time at a magnificent Buddhist retreat. It was an amazing time filled with the learning of a rich and beautiful religious practices. AW HECK WHO AM I KIDDIN!!! IT WAS A HOOTANANNY OF A TIME! Hopes I didnt done scares yall back home, dont worry hot tuna is back and wouldnt let yall down by being a boring ole tale… Read More